PM Modi terms Interim Budget 2024-25 as 'innovative and inclusive'

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday termed the interim Budget 2024-25, as "innovative and inclusive" and said it will empower all sections of the society.

Speaking after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim Budget in the Lok Sabha, Modi said that this Budget has kept fiscal deficit in check, but has also given a high allocation to capital expenditure.

"This Budget has focussed on empowering the poor and the middle class" he added. The Prime Minister noted that this budget was a reflection of the young aspirations of a young India."

Talking about the other decisions taken in the Budget, he said a fund of Rs 1 Lakh Crore has been announced for research and innovation.

Modi added that this Budget lays the foundation for India to become Vikshit Bharat ( a developed India) by 2047, which shows continuity and confidence.

"It will empower all 4 pillars of Viksit Bharat- Yuva, Garib, Mahila and Kisan. This Budget gives the guarantee of making India a developed nation by 2047" he said.

While keeping the fiscal deficit under control, the Prime Minister informed that the total expenditure has seen a historic increase to Rs 11,11,111 crores in this budget.

“In economists’ parlance, he said, “this is a kind of sweet spot” and added that it will create millions of new employment opportunities for the youth along with the creation of modern infrastructure of the 21st century in India.

Modi also informed about the announcement to manufacture 40,000 modern bogies of Vande Bharat Standard and install them in general passenger trains which will further heighten comfort and travel experience of crores of passengers on different rail routes of the country.

Setting ambitious goals, the Prime Minister stated, "We set a big goal, achieve it, and then set an even bigger goal for ourselves." Highlighting the government's efforts for the welfare of the poor and middle class, he informed about the construction of over 4 crore houses in villages and cities and increasing the target to build 2 crore more houses.

Emphasizing the empowerment of women, Modi said, "our goal was to make 2 crore 'Lakhpatis' among women. Now, this goal has been increased to make 3 crore 'Lakhpatis'."

He praised the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for its significant assistance to the poor, extending its benefits to Anganwadi and ASHA workers.

Modi emphasized on the government’s emphasis to empower the poor and middle class by creating new opportunities for them in this budget.

The PM mentioned the Roof Top Solar Campaign where 1 crore families will avail free electricity, while also earn an income of Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per year by selling excess electricity to the government.